Markus Näslund facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Markus Näslund
Näslund in 2015
Born	(1973-07-30) 30 July 1973 (age 51) Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	191 lb (87 kg; 13 st 9 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shot	Left
Played for	Modo Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins Vancouver Canucks New York Rangers
National team	Sweden
NHL Draft	16th overall, 1991 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	1990–2010
Medal record Representing  Sweden Men's ice hockey World Championships Bronze 2002 Sweden Bronze 1999 Norway Silver 1993 Germany World Junior Championships Silver 1993 Sweden Silver 1992 Germany European Junior Championships Gold 1990

Markus Näslund (born 30 July 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey player. He used to be the general manager for Modo Hockey in Sweden. Näslund played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers. He also played in Sweden's top league, the Elitserien, with Modo Hockey.

Fans called him "Nazzy" in Vancouver and "Macke" or "Mackan" in Sweden. He was famous for his amazing offensive skills, especially his powerful wrist shot and how he handled the puck.

Näslund started playing junior hockey with Modo. He turned professional with their main team in 1990–91. The Pittsburgh Penguins picked him 16th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He joined the NHL in 1993–94. After playing for Pittsburgh, Näslund was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1996. He spent 12 years there, including a team record 8 years as captain.

With the Canucks, Näslund led the team in scoring for 7 seasons. He was chosen as a first team All-Star three times (in 2002, 2003, and 2004). In 2003, he won the Lester B. Pearson Award (now called the Ted Lindsay Award) as the league's best player, voted by the players. He was also a top contender for the Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Rocket Richard Trophy that year. He won the Cyclone Taylor Trophy five times as the Canucks' most valuable player. He also won the Cyrus H. McLean Trophy seven times in a row for being the team's top point-scorer. These are both club records. He became the Canucks' all-time leader in goals and points.

In 2008, Näslund signed with the New York Rangers. He played one season there before retiring from the NHL after 15 years. In the middle of the 2009–10 season, he returned to play for Modo before retiring again. In December 2010, the Canucks retired his jersey number, making him only the third player to receive this honor.

For Sweden, Näslund played in many international tournaments. These included two European Junior Championships, two World Junior Championships, four World Championships, two World Cups, and one Winter Olympics. He holds the World Junior record for most goals in one tournament, scoring 13 in 1993. He also won two silver medals at that competition. In World Championship games, he won a silver medal in 1993 and two bronze medals in 1999 and 2002. On 21 April 2014, Näslund was added to the Swedish Hockey Hall Of Fame.

Growing Up and Starting Hockey

Markus Näslund was born on 30 July 1973, in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. This city is famous for producing many NHL players. His childhood friend and future teammate, Peter Forsberg, also came from there. Other famous players like Victor Hedman and the Sedin twins (Henrik and Daniel) are also from Örnsköldsvik.

When he was young, Markus looked up to Swedish hockey star Håkan Loob. He played most of his hockey outdoors in his neighborhood. At age 14, Näslund played for his region's all-star team, Ångermanland. They won a national championship for players under 16 at a tournament called TV-pucken in 1988. He even won the Sven Tumba Award for being the best forward in the tournament.

Markus and Peter Forsberg were born only 10 days apart. They became good friends while playing on different youth teams. Later, they joined the Ångermanland team together. They then played on the same team for Modo Hockey and the Swedish national team. They even went to high school together and had summer jobs at the same electrical company.

Markus Näslund's Hockey Journey

Playing for Modo Hockey in Sweden

When Markus was 15, he played for Örnsköldsviks SK in Sweden's third-best men's league. He scored 7 goals and 13 points in 14 games. The next year, in 1989–90, Näslund joined the Modo Hockey club. He played in Sweden's top junior league, the J20 SuperElit. He and Peter Forsberg were on one of the best lines in the league. They helped Modo win two junior championships in a row.

In 1990–91, Näslund joined Modo's professional team in the Elitserien, Sweden's top league. He wore jersey number 19, which he later used for the Swedish national teams. In his first season, he scored 10 goals and 19 points. This was a record for a 17-year-old in the league at the time.

After that season, the Pittsburgh Penguins picked Näslund 16th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. The Penguins' general manager thought Näslund and Forsberg were the best players in the draft after Eric Lindros.

Näslund stayed with Modo for two more years. He led the team with 39 points in 1991–92. He scored the same number of points the next season. He then helped Modo reach the quarterfinals of the Elitserien playoffs.

Joining the Pittsburgh Penguins

After the 1992–93 season, Näslund's contract with Modo ended. He then signed a deal with the Penguins on 9 September 1993. The contract was worth about $1.8 million over three years.

Näslund joined the Penguins for the 1993–94 season. He chose number 29 because his usual number 19 was already taken. He played his first NHL game on 5 October 1993. Five days later, he got his first NHL point, an assist. His first NHL goal came on 9 November 1993.

When he first started in the NHL, Näslund found it tough. He was sometimes sent to the Penguins' minor league team, the Cleveland Lumberjacks. He finished his first season with 4 goals and 7 assists in 71 games. Even though the Penguins made the playoffs, Näslund did not play in them.

The next season, which was shorter because of a player lockout, he still split his time between the NHL and the minor league. He scored 2 goals and 4 points in 14 games with Pittsburgh. He was frustrated by being sent down and even asked to be traded.

In his third training camp with the Penguins, before the 1995–96 season, Näslund played very well. He started the season with 36 points in 29 games. He scored his first NHL hat-trick on 28 November 1995. However, his scoring slowed down later in the season. He was sometimes taken out of the lineup or played on lower lines.

Becoming a Star with the Vancouver Canucks

Trade to Vancouver and Becoming Captain

In his last year with Pittsburgh, Näslund was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on 20 March 1996. The Penguins received Alek Stojanov in return. This trade is now seen as one of the most one-sided in NHL history. Stojanov played only 45 games for the Penguins and then became a minor league player. Näslund, however, played 884 games for the Canucks over 12 seasons and became a superstar.

Näslund played his first game with the Canucks two days after the trade. He wore number 22 because number 19 was taken. He didn't score in his first nine games with Vancouver. But in the last game of the season, he scored a hat-trick, helping the Canucks make the playoffs. He finished the season with 22 goals and 55 points combined. Näslund played in his first NHL playoffs, scoring his first playoff goal against Patrick Roy.

After the season, he signed a new contract with the Canucks. He switched his jersey back to number 19. In his first full season with Vancouver, he scored 21 goals and 41 points. The Canucks missed the playoffs that year. At the start of the 1997–98 season, Näslund was healthy but didn't play in some games, which made him ask for a trade again.

In the next season, Näslund became a key offensive player for the Canucks. Other top players were injured or absent, so Näslund got more ice time. He scored his third NHL hat-trick on 5 December 1998. He was named to his first NHL All-Star Game. He led the team with 36 goals and 66 points. He won the Cyclone Taylor Trophy as the Canucks' most valuable player for the first time. He also won the team's Most Exciting Player Award. He then signed a new three-year contract.

Naslund skating during warm-up with the Vancouver Canucks. Naslund served as the team's captain for eight years beginning in 2000.

During the Canucks' training camp in Sweden in 2000–01, Näslund was named team captain on 15 September 2000. He was the first European-born captain in Canucks' history. He said that Mark Messier, who he had played with for three seasons, was his biggest influence. In his first year as captain, Näslund kept getting better. He was named to his second NHL All-Star Game.

With 10 games left in the season, he broke his leg on 16 March 2001. He needed surgery to fix his tibia and fibula bones. At the time of his injury, his 41 goals were tied for third in the league. He won his first Viking Award, given to the best Swedish player in the NHL. Without Näslund, the Canucks made the playoffs but were swept in the first round.

The Canucks making the playoffs was a big moment for the team. Näslund, along with Todd Bertuzzi, Brendan Morrison, Ed Jovanovski, and Mattias Öhlund, formed a new strong group of players. He remembers "growing up together" with this group as his favorite memory in the NHL.

The "West Coast Express" Line

Näslund signed a new three-year contract with the Canucks on 28 June 2001. He spent the summer recovering from his leg injury. He returned in 2001–02 and scored 40 goals and 90 points, ranking second in the league. This season marked the start of one of the best lines in the league. Näslund and Bertuzzi were already a strong duo. On 9 January 2002, coach Marc Crawford put Brendan Morrison as their center. This trio was called the "West Coast Express".

Näslund's new line helped him score 8 goals and 21 points in January 2002. He was named NHL Player of the Month. He was also chosen for the 2002 NHL All-Star Game and scored the winning goal. The Canucks finished eighth in their conference and played the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs. Näslund scored one goal and one assist as Vancouver lost in six games. After the season, Näslund was named to the NHL first team All-Star as the league's top left-winger.

In 2002–03, with the West Coast Express line playing a full season, Näslund had his best year. He scored a career-high 48 goals and 104 points, finishing second in the league in both. He also led the league in powerplay points and game-winning goals. Bertuzzi scored 97 points, and Morrison had 71. Together, they scored 45% of the Canucks' goals.

Early in the season, Näslund scored his eighth NHL hat-trick. On 14 December, he scored a career-high four goals in one game, tying a Canucks record. He was named to his third straight All-Star Game. He scored a goal in the first shootout in All-Star Game history. He also had a six-point night (one goal, five assists) on 14 February 2003. This win extended the Canucks' unbeaten streak to 14 games. On 27 March, he got his 100th point of the season, becoming only the third Canuck to reach that mark.

Näslund and Todd Bertuzzi (right) were joined by Brendan Morrison (not pictured) to form the "West Coast Express" line.

On the last day of the 2002–03 season, the Canucks lost their division title. Näslund also lost his lead in league scoring. The Canucks made the 2003 playoffs and won their first series in seven games. However, they were eliminated in the next round. Näslund finished the playoffs with a career-high 14 points in 14 games.

After the season, Näslund won the Lester B. Pearson Award. This award is given to the league's best player, as voted by the players. He was the first Swedish player and first Canucks player to win it. He was also a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, given to the league's most valuable player. He was chosen by The Hockey News as the league's most valuable player that year. He also won the Viking Award and First Team All-Star honors again.

In the next season, Näslund led the Canucks in scoring for the sixth year in a row. His 84 points ranked fourth in the league. He scored his second career four-goal game on 9 December 2003. He was chosen as captain for the Western Conference at the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.

On 16 February 2004, Näslund was hit in the head by Steve Moore. He got a minor concussion and needed stitches. He also hurt his elbow. Moore's hit was not penalized. Later, Todd Bertuzzi reacted to the hit by punching Moore. Moore suffered career-ending injuries. Bertuzzi was suspended. Näslund was very affected by this event. He later said, "It still bothers me what Todd has had to go through...There's no question he was standing up for me...it all went too far."

Even without Bertuzzi, Näslund led the Canucks to win their division title. The Canucks made the 2004 playoffs but lost in seven games. Näslund finished the playoffs with nine points. He received his third Viking Award and First Team All-Star mention. From 2001–02 to 2003–04, Näslund scored the most goals (123) and points (278) of any NHL player.

During the NHL lockout, Näslund returned to play for Modo Hockey in Sweden. He played 13 games, scoring 17 points.

Näslund with the Canucks at the 2005–06 season opener

After the Lockout

When the NHL started playing again for the 2005–06 season, Näslund became a free agent. He re-signed with the Canucks for three more years. He said he wanted to stay with the Canucks because he thought they had a better chance to win the Stanley Cup.

He led the Canucks in scoring for a record seventh straight season, with 32 goals and 79 points. However, the Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. After this, the team made big changes. His longtime linemate Bertuzzi was traded. A new coach, Alain Vigneault, was hired.

In the 2006–07 season, Näslund's points continued to drop. He scored his 300th goal as a Canuck on 14 October 2006. He soon passed Trevor Linden to become the Canucks' all-time leading goal scorer. He finished the season with 60 points, his lowest since 1997–98. Teammate Daniel Sedin had more points than him, ending Näslund's eight-season streak of leading the team in scoring. In the 2007 playoffs, Näslund had five points before the team was eliminated.

Näslund during his final season with Vancouver in 2007–08.

In 2007–08, Näslund reached more milestones. On 21 November 2007, he tied the Canucks' record with his 10th hat-trick. On 5 December, he became the Canucks' all-time leading point-scorer, passing Linden with 725 points. The next month, on 17 January 2008, Näslund played his 1,000th career game. He scored 25 goals and 55 points that season.

As his contract was ending, Näslund said he was frustrated with the coach's defensive style. He also sold his Vancouver home, making his return to the Canucks uncertain.

Playing for the New York Rangers

Näslund with the Rangers during Game 7 of the Rangers' 2009 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals

Näslund signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the New York Rangers on 3 July 2008. He left Vancouver as the team's all-time leader in goals (346) and points (756). His time as captain, 8 years, also matched Stan Smyl's as the longest in team history.

Näslund chose to wear #91 with the Rangers. On 3 October, he was named an alternate captain. The next day, he scored his first goal as a Ranger. In his only season with the Rangers, Näslund led the team in goals with 24 and was fourth in points with 46. He added three points in the playoffs, but the Rangers were eliminated in the first round.

After the Rangers' loss, he announced his retirement from the NHL on 4 May 2009, at age 35. Näslund retired from the NHL second among all-time Swedish players with 395 goals. His 869 points ranked fifth, and his 1,117 games played ranked fourth.

Returning to Modo and Retiring Again

Näslund moved back to Sweden with his family in the summer of 2009. On 17 November 2009, Näslund announced he was coming out of retirement to join Peter Forsberg with Modo for the rest of the 2009–10 Elitserien season. He said he and Forsberg wanted to help their old club, which was having financial problems and was in last place. They played without salary.

Näslund played his first game back with Modo on 28 November, getting an assist on a goal by Forsberg. He scored his first goal since his return on 8 December. On 27 February, he scored a hat-trick. Playing in 29 games, Näslund scored 10 goals and 19 assists. Modo improved but missed the playoffs. Näslund confirmed his second retirement after the season.

On 11 December 2010, the Canucks retired his number 19 jersey. His family and former teammates were there. The team also started a sports equipment center for children in need, in honor of Näslund and his wife's charity work. He became the third player in team history to have his jersey retired.

Markus Näslund's International Play

Näslund first played for Sweden at a tournament in the Soviet Union in 1989. The next year, he played in the 1990 European Junior Championships (for players under 18). He didn't score any points but helped Sweden win a gold medal. The next year, he scored 14 goals, leading the tournament.

He continued to play in junior tournaments for two more years. He played in the 1992 and 1993 World Junior Championships, where Sweden won two silver medals. In 1993, he set a record for most goals in a single World Junior tournament with 13. He also had 24 points, second only to Peter Forsberg.

Näslund made his debut for the senior Swedish national team later in 1993 at the World Championships. He won another silver medal with Sweden. He played in the 1996 World Cup. In the 1999 World Championships, Näslund helped Sweden win a bronze medal with 10 points.

In 2002, Näslund played in his first and only Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He scored two goals against Germany. Sweden was a favorite to win but lost to Belarus in a big upset. He finished the tournament with two goals and one assist.

Several months later, he played in his final World Championships in Sweden. Sweden won the bronze medal. It was Näslund's second bronze medal in a row. He scored three points in three games.

Before the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Näslund played in his last international competition at the 2004 World Cup. He was chosen for the 2006 Winter Olympics but couldn't play due to an injury. Sweden went on to win the gold medal.

Markus Näslund's Playing Style

Näslund (centre) stickhandles through opposing Washington Capitals players during the 2009 playoffs

Näslund was known as a very skilled offensive player. He was a good skater and could handle the puck well. His most famous skill was his wrist shot, which was very accurate and led to many of his goals. He also scored many points on the powerplay. His first Canucks coach said Näslund was one of the few players who could create a scoring chance from nothing.

Näslund played his best when he was on a line with Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison. His scoring and finesse skills worked well with Morrison's playmaking and Bertuzzi's strength. They were known for playing a fast and exciting style of hockey.

As captain of the Canucks for eight years, Näslund led by example with his hard work. Some people criticized him for not being loud enough as a captain. But his teammates said he was a quiet leader who spoke when it was important. They also praised him for being honest, professional, and caring. The Sedin twins said he helped them a lot when they started in the NHL.

After the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Näslund's scoring went down. Some thought it was because he played more defensively under the new coach. Also, Bertuzzi leaving the team affected his play. It was also suggested that the hit from Steve Moore and the emotional impact of Bertuzzi's reaction might have affected his game.

Life Off the Ice

Personal Life

Markus Näslund and his wife Lotta have three children: Rebecca, Isabella, and Alex. During his NHL career, they spent their summers in Sweden. Like other Swedish players, Näslund wanted to raise his children in his home country. However, he also loved Vancouver and felt at home there.

When he signed with the Rangers, Näslund and his family moved to Tarrytown, New York. After he retired from the NHL in 2009, they returned to Sweden. Näslund started coaching his son's minor-league hockey team. He also helped build a new house for his family in Örnsköldsvik. Markus has also worked in real estate development.

Helping Others

In 2002, Näslund and Peter Forsberg started Icebreakers. This group raises money for sick and disabled children in their home region of Västernorrland. They put together a team of Swedish all-stars to play charity games.

In Vancouver, Näslund had a program called "Nazzy's Suite 19." This program gave children from charities the chance to watch Canucks games from a special suite. After he left Vancouver, goalie Roberto Luongo took over the program. Näslund also visited Canuck Place, a children's hospice, and the BC Children's Hospital. He helped raise money for the Canucks For Kids Fund. He even appeared in a public service announcement about mental health.

After he retired from the NHL, he joined a tour for the NHLPA's Goals and Dreams program. This charity gives hockey equipment to children who can't afford it.

Endorsements

When he was at the top of his career, Näslund had many endorsement deals. He worked with companies like Nike Bauer and Electronic Arts (EA). In 2004, EA Sports chose Näslund to be on the cover of their video game NHL 2005. He was also on the European cover of NHL 2000.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

All-Star Games

Awards and Honors

Sweden

International

NHL

Vancouver Canucks Team Awards

Records Markus Näslund Holds

International Records

• World Junior Championships' record; most goals, single tournament: 13 (1993)

Vancouver Canucks Records

• All-time hat-tricks: 10 (tied with Tony Tanti)
• All-time powerplay goals: 114
• Longest tenured captain: 8 years (2000–08)
• Single-season points by a left wing: 104 (2002–03)
• Single-season goals by a left wing: 48 (2002–03)
• Single-game goals: 4 (twice; 14 December 2002 vs. Edmonton Oilers; 9 December 2003 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins; tied with 10 others)

Images for kids

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  Näslund in 2015

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  Naslund skating during warm-up with the Vancouver Canucks. Naslund served as the team's captain for eight years beginning in 2000.

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  Näslund and Todd Bertuzzi (right) were joined by Brendan Morrison (not pictured) to form the "West Coast Express" line.

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  Näslund with the Canucks at the 2005–06 season opener

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  Näslund during his final season with Vancouver in 2007–08.

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  Näslund with the Rangers during Game 7 of the Rangers' 2009 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Washington Capitals

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  Näslund (centre) stickhandles through opposing Washington Capitals players during the 2009 playoffs